The Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealthcare, a major insurance company, was tragically shot dead outside the Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning. Authorities have described it as a “bold targeted attack.”

Brian Thompson, 50, was shot shortly before 7 a.m. close to the Hilton on 54th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues, as reported by the New York City Police Department (NYPD). He was in the city for UnitedHealth Group’s annual analysts and investors conference.

An NYPD spokesperson stated that officers found Thompson unconscious and unresponsive with gunshot wounds to his leg and chest. He was rushed to Mount Sinai West Hospital, where he was declared dead. Authorities are actively trying to locate the masked shooter.

“Brian was a well-respected colleague and friend to everyone who knew him,” said UnitedHealth Group in a statement. “We are collaborating with the NYPD and appreciate your patience during this tragic time. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”

Here’s a brief overview of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare.

Who was Brian Thompson?

Brian Thompson, the 50-year-old CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was based in Maple Grove, Minnesota. He took on the CEO role in April 2021 after joining the company in 2004. His LinkedIn shows that he was formerly a manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP before he joined UnitedHealthcare as the Director of Corporate Development.

During his tenure at UnitedHealthcare, Thompson held various leadership positions and most recently served as the CEO of government programs, which included overseeing the company’s Medicare and retirement services as well as community and state businesses. In his current role, he was in charge of the company’s healthcare benefits operations.

He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting from the University of Iowa in 1997, according to his LinkedIn profile.

He is survived by his two sons and his wife, Paulette Thompson. Paulette, a physical therapist for over 20 years, mentioned to NBC that her husband had previously received threats in connection to his work. She also graduated from the same university as him.

What is UnitedHealth Group?

UnitedHealth Group is one of the largest healthcare companies in the United States, known for offering health insurance, pharmacy benefits, and various healthcare services.

The health insurance division, UnitedHealthcare, provides insurance for over 29 million individuals in the U.S., according to their website. In 2024, UnitedHealthcare was ranked 8th on the Fortune Global 500, and its parent company employs around 439,000 people, with revenues reaching $379.5 billion in 2024, as reported by Forbes.

This story is still developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.